Explained: Why Bowel Cancer Cases Are Rising in People Under 50

ROBERT HEYWARD

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, affects nearly two million people annually, making it the third most common cancer globally. While traditionally seen in older adults, cases among those under 50 are climbing rapidly, sparking concern among researchers and healthcare professionals.

A Global Trend in Younger Adults

Historically, bowel cancer has been most prevalent in people over 50. However, recent studies have identifed an alarming rise in younger cases. For example, in Norway, individuals born in 1990 are fve times more likely to develop rectal cancer compared to those born in 1920.

Research in over 50 countries, spanning

Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia, refects a similar pattern, with the sharpest increases observed in the under-50 demographic.

In high-income countries, screening programs have successfully stabilized or reduced bowel cancer rates in older adults by detecting and removing pre-cancerous lesions. Unfortunately, younger individuals do not beneft from routine screening, often leading to latestage diagnoses.

What’s Causing the Rise?

The growing prevalence of bowel cancer among younger adults is likely linked to lifestyle and environmental factors:

• Unhealthy diets: Low in fber and high in processed or red meats, these diets have been shown to fronts, from study and cost-of-living pressures to self-identity and global issues. We’re focused on providing culturally safe support, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.”

Government and Community Support

The opening of headspace Ballina has been praised by local and national leaders as a critical step in addressing the mental health needs of the region.

Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Emma McBride MP, highlighted the importance of providing care close to home:

“The Albanese Labor Government is investing in the headspace network to ensure young people in regional Australia, including those affected by foods, have access to vital mental health services.”

Healthy North Coast CEO, Monika Wheeler, pointed to the North Coast’s higher rates of mental health challenges:

“Our region has a third more mental health-related emergency department visits than the rest of NSW. This service ensures help is available before young people reach crisis point.”

Justine Elliot MP, Member for Richmond, celebrated the addition of a second headspace in her electorate:

“Establishing a permanent headspace in Ballina will reduce the burden of mental ill-health and help our young people thrive.”

A Call to Action for the Community Acting CEO of headspace, Julia Smith, encouraged the local community to take full advantage of the service:

“If you or a young person you care about needs support with their mental health, please know headspace is here for you.”

The Ballina headspace is currently open 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to

Thursday, with support available through headspace Lismore when the Ballina service is closed.

Contact Information

• Phone: 02 6625 0200

• Address: 32 Swift Street, Ballina NSW 2478

• Website: headspace. org.au signifcantly increase cancer risk.

The opening of headspace Ballina is a signifcant step forward in ensuring young people in the Northern Rivers region have the support they need to navigate life’s challenges and build brighter futures.

• Physical inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles contribute to obesity, a well-known risk factor.

• Obesity epidemic: Over 890 million people worldwide are obese, including children and adolescents. Obesity triggers metabolic changes, including infammation and hormone imbalances, that promote cancer development.

Gut microbiome disruption: Westernstyle diets disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, promoting harmful microbes and reducing protective ones. Studies suggest this may play a greater role in bowel cancer among younger individuals.

Rising diabetes rates: Type 2 diabetes, increasingly seen in younger populations, is associated with higher bowel cancer risk.

The Role of Early Detection

One of the biggest challenges in younger patients is late diagnosis. Many under-50s and their doctors overlook symptoms, often attributing them to less serious conditions. Symptoms of bowel cancer include:

• Abdominal pain

• Bloody stools

• Changes in bowel habits (e.g., persistent diarrhea or constipation)

• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms aren’t always cancer-related, but prompt evaluation is crucial for early detection and better outcomes.

The Path Forward Addressing the rise in bowel cancer requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Public awareness: Education on symptoms and lifestyle risks is critical, especially for younger populations.

• Lifestyle changes: A diet rich in fber, regular exercise, limited alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking can reduce risk.

• Expanded screening: Lowering the age threshold for routine bowel cancer screening could catch cases earlier. Bowel cancer is largely preventable through lifestyle modifcations. As rates among younger adults continue to rise, prioritizing awareness and preventive measures is more important than ever.